Knees have liquid-filled sacs (bursa) to help absorb shock and lubricate the joints. When these become irritated, they can swell up and fill with excess fluid. This is called water on the knee.
In most cases, rest, ice, elevation and over-the-counter pain relievers are all you need. However, in some cases, your doctor may need to drain the excess fluid from the knee (joint aspiration). This is usually done in the office.
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1. Ice
All knees have a small amount of fluid to keep the joint lubricated. However, some conditions can cause too much fluid to build up in the knee. This is called “water on the knee.” The symptoms are a puffy appearance, stiffness, and pain when you put weight on your knee.
The fastest Tips for Using a Knee Wrap for Baker’s Cyst. This causes the blood vessels to constrict, decreasing the swelling and pain. Ice should be applied for 20 minutes at a time. Always use a towel between the ice pack and your skin to prevent frostbite or skin damage.
If your at-home treatment methods do not relieve the fluid, you should see a healthcare provider. The doctor may drain the fluid (joint aspiration) to provide relief.
2. Heat
When you apply heat to the knee, it relaxes tight muscles and increases blood flow. This allows oxygen and healing fluids to reach the knee. It also helps relieve pain and reduce swelling. You can use a heating pad or warm water on the affected knee for 20 to 30 minutes several times a day.
Your doctor will review your medical history and conduct a physical exam of the knee. They may order imaging tests like X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to help hone in on the cause of your knee fluid build-up.
Sometimes a build-up of knee fluid is caused by an inflammatory condition like osteoarthritis. Your doctor can treat the underlying problem and recommend knee exercises to prevent fluid build-up in the future.
3. Massage
Some amount of fluid in the knee is essential to keep the joint lubricated and functioning properly, but too much fluid can lead to swelling. This condition is called edema, and it can be due to injury or a chronic condition like arthritis.
Knee massage can help drain excess fluid from the knee joint, and it can be performed at home or by a trained professional. Massaging the knee can increase range of motion and improve function. It can also break down scar tissue and remodel it into flexible, healthy soft tissue.
People should consult their doctor if they experience new or worsening knee pain or if they cannot put weight on the affected leg. A doctor may recommend a procedure called arthrocentesis to drain the fluid from the knee joint.
4. Exercise
Keeping your knees strong with regular exercise will help prevent them from getting swollen. This includes doing simple exercises such as squats or lunges, which strengthen the muscles and ligaments that support the knee. A good program also involves maintaining a healthy weight to avoid excess stress on the knees.
Fluid on the knee (also called knee effusion) may occur for a variety of reasons, including a traumatic injury or an underlying disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. Anyone with new knee swelling should seek medical care, as it can indicate a serious problem. A doctor will review your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination. He or she may also request an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to evaluate the knee for signs of damage or other problems.
5. Sleep
If you’re dealing with excess fluid on the knee, it’s not only physically painful but can also make it difficult to sleep. Adaptive equipment like a bed rail or step stool can help with getting in and out of bed, while positional wedges are a great way to find comfortable resting positions.
Elevating your knee with pillows can reduce the build up of fluid. Place a pillow under your knee or a wedge-shaped foam block under your foot and ankle.
If you’re struggling with swollen knees, get in touch with your local physiotherapist to discuss the best treatment options for you. They can offer advice on exercises that will improve your knee pain and also recommend a knee brace or sleeve to support your knee.